Transport containers

Abstract

To propose a transportation container which enables easy connection and disassembly of an upper frame and side walls which are rotatably connected and also enables easy replacement of a damaged shaft and side walls.SOLUTION: A transportation container 1 includes an upper frame 2, a bottom wall 3, and multiple side walls 4 assembled between the upper frame 2 and the bottom wall 3. The multiple side walls 4 include a first side wall 4a rotatably connected to the upper frame 2. An operation member 5 which may be operated is attached to one of the first side wall 4a and the upper wall 2. The operation member 5 has a connection shaft 50 which rotatably connects the first side wall 4a with the upper frame 2. The other member of the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 has a bearing 6 which receives the connection shaft 50. The operation member 5 may be moved between a connection position where the connection shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and a non-connection position where the connection shaft 50 separates from the bearing 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a folding container including a rectangular frame-shaped upper frame in plan view, a bottom plate having a rectangular shape in plan view, and a plurality of side plates positioned between the upper frame and the bottom plate. In this folding container, the side plates are rotatably attached to the upper frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the folding container described in Patent Document 1, when a load is applied to the mounting shaft provided on the side plate and it is damaged, or when the main body portion of the side plate is damaged, it is necessary to replace the entire side plate. Further, at the time of this replacement, in the folding container described in Patent Document 1, since it is not a structure premised on part replacement, it is not easy to disassemble the upper frame and the side plate.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to propose a transport container in which the connection and disconnection between the upper frame and the side wall that are rotatably connected can be easily performed, and the replacement of a damaged shaft or side wall can also be easily performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a transport container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a top frame, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls assembled between the top frame and the bottom wall, wherein the plurality of side walls include a first side wall rotatably connected to the top frame. An operable operating member is attached to one of the members, the first side wall and the top frame. The operating member has a connecting shaft that rotatably connects the first side wall and the top frame. The other member, the first side wall and the top frame, has a bearing that receives the connecting shaft. The operating member is movable between a connected position in which the connecting shaft is received by the bearing and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft is away from the bearing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one embodiment of the transport container relating to this disclosure, the rotatably connected upper frame and side walls can be easily connected and disconnected, and damaged shafts and side walls can be easily replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing a transport container according to one embodiment, with the lid omitted, and Figure 1B is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the transport container with its lid attached. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing the transport container shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 3, showing the upper frame, side walls, and operating members of the transport container as seen from inside the transport container. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the other side walls of the transport container described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom wall of the transport container described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the lid of the same product. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the same operating member. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a partially broken side view showing the operating member in the connected position, and Figure 9B is a partially broken side view showing the operating member in the unconnected position. [Figure 10] Figure 10A is another partially broken side view showing the operating member in the connected position, and Figure 10B is another partially broken side view showing the operating member in the unconnected position. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the second operating member of the transport container described above. [Figure 12] Figures 12A-C are partially broken rear views showing how the upper frame and other side walls are connected, and are views of the upper frame and other side walls as seen from inside the transport container. [Figure 13] Figures 13A-C are partially broken rear views showing how the bottom wall and other side walls are connected, and are views of the bottom wall and other side walls as seen from the inside of the transport container. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the fourth operating member of the transport container described above. [Figure 15] Figures 15A-C are front views showing how the lid and the upper frame are connected. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view showing a modified example of the transport container described above, in which the pair of side walls (first side wall) and the lid are omitted from the illustration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (One embodiment) 1. Overview As shown in Fig. 1, a transport container 1 of an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "container 1") includes an upper frame 2, a bottom wall 3, and a plurality of side walls 4 assembled between the upper frame 2 and the bottom wall 3. The plurality of side walls 4 includes a first side wall 4a rotatably connected to the upper frame 2. An operable operating member 5 is attached to one of the members of the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2. The operating member 5 has a connecting shaft 50 that rotatably connects the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2. The other member of the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 has a bearing 6 that receives the connecting shaft 50. The operating member 5 is movable between a connecting position where the connecting shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and a non-connecting position where the connecting shaft 50 is separated from the bearing 6.

[0010] In the container 1 of an embodiment having the above configuration, by operating the operating member 5, the operating member 5 can be moved between a connecting position where the connecting shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and a non-connecting position where the connecting shaft 50 is separated from the bearing 6. Therefore, in the container 1 of an embodiment, it is easy to switch between a state where the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are connected and a state where the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 can be disassembled, and the connection and disassembly of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed. Moreover, in the container 1 of an embodiment, since the connecting shaft 50 is provided on the operating member 5 attached to one of the members of the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2, even if the connecting shaft 50 is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the operating member 5, and the replacement of the connecting shaft 50 can also be easily performed. Further, in the container 1 of an embodiment, since the connection and disassembly of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed, the replacement of the first side wall 4a can also be easily performed.

[0011] 2. Details Subsequently, the container 1 of the present embodiment shown in Figs. 1A to 15C will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1A, the container 1 is in a box shape having an opening on the upper surface. The container 1 is foldable and is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape in the assembled state. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the container 1 in plan view will be referred to as the left-right direction, the short-side direction of the container 1 in plan view will be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction will be referred to as the up-down direction, and each component will be described.

[0013] Container 1 includes an upper frame 2 in the shape of a rectangular frame in plan view, a bottom wall 3 in the shape of a rectangular plate, a plurality of side walls 4 assembled between the upper frame 2 and the bottom wall 3, and an operable operating member 5. Container 1 further includes a second operating member 7 used for connecting the side wall 4 (specifically, the second side wall 4b described later) and the upper frame 2, and a third operating member 8 used for connecting the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3. The plurality of side walls 4 include a pair of first side walls 4a rotatably connected to the upper frame 2 and a pair of second side walls 4b rotatably connected to the upper frame 2.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, container 1 further includes a lid 9 for opening and closing the upper end opening of the upper frame 2, and a fourth operating member 10 used for connecting the upper frame 2 and the lid 9. The lid 9 includes a first lid 9a rotatably connected to the upper frame 2 so as to open and close a part (the front half) of the upper end opening of the upper frame 2, and a second lid 9b rotatably connected to the upper frame 2 so as to open and close the remaining part (the rear half) of the upper end opening of the upper frame 2. In this embodiment, each of the upper frame 2, the bottom wall 3, the plurality of side walls 4, the operating member 5, the second operating member 7, the third operating member 8, the lid 9, and the fourth operating member 10 is made of synthetic resin.

[0015] 2-1. Upper Frame As shown in FIG. 1A, the upper frame 2 integrally has a pair of short-side frames 20 connected to the upper end portions of the pair of first side walls 4a and a pair of long-side frames 21 connected to the upper end portions of the pair of second side walls 4b.

[0016] On each upper surface of the pair of short-side frames 20, a pair of front and rear protrusions 200 are provided. As shown in FIG. 4, bearings 6 are provided at the front and rear end portions of each of the pair of short-side frames 20. The bearings 6 are provided with through holes 60 penetrating in the front and rear directions (see FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0017] As shown in Figures 1A and 3, each of the pair of long frames 21 is provided with a connecting portion 22 on its upper surface, to which the lids 9a and 9b are rotatably connected. The connecting portion 22 of one long frame 21 and the connecting portion 22 of the other long frame 21 are provided point-symmetrically.

[0018] The connecting portion 22 has a plurality of protrusions 23 arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction, and a connecting shaft 24 spanning two adjacent protrusions 23. The plurality of protrusions 23 include a plurality of bearing protrusions 23a provided with bearing recesses 230 opening in the same direction, a plurality of support protrusions 23b across which the connecting shaft 24 is spanned, and other protrusions 23c. The other protrusions 23c are not provided with bearing recesses 230, nor are they spanned by the connecting shaft 24.

[0019] In this embodiment, the bearing recesses 230 in the multiple bearing protrusions 23a provided on the front long frame 21 open to the left. In the multiple bearing protrusions 23a provided on the rear long frame 21, the bearing recesses 230 open to the right.

[0020] Each of the pair of long frames 21 is provided with a concave mounting portion 25 on one longitudinal end to which the fourth operating member 10 is attached. On the front long frame 21, the mounting portion 25 is located on the left side, and on the rear long frame 21, the mounting portion 25 is located on the right side.

[0021] The mounting portion 25 opens toward the external space of the container 1 and also opens toward the upper part of the long frame 21. The mounting portion 25 has an upper end opening 250 that opens toward the upper surface of the long frame 21. The upper end opening 250 is located between two protrusions 23 (23a, 23c) that are located at one end in the left-right direction of the plurality of protrusions 23.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting portion 25 includes a first opening 251 through which a part of the fourth operating member 10 (specifically the operating portion 11) is exposed, and a second opening 252 and a third opening 253 through which other parts of the fourth operating member 10 (specifically the locking portion 12) are exposed. The second opening 252 and the third opening 253 are located vertically aligned to the left-right inner side of the first opening 251. Each of the openings 251, 252, and 253 opens toward the external space of the container 1 (i.e., toward the front-rear outward direction). Each of the openings 251, 252, and 253 is a rectangular opening.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1A, each of the pair of long side frames 21 has a plurality of bearings 26 at its lower end, which are used to connect to the second side wall 4b. The plurality of bearings 26 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of bearings 26 is provided with a through hole 260 that penetrates in the left-right direction.

[0024] 2-2. Side wall The multiple side walls 4 include a pair of first side walls 4a facing each other in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the container 1, and a pair of second side walls 4b facing each other in the short direction (front-back direction) of the container 1. The pair of first side walls 4a are erected at the ends along the two short sides of the bottom wall 3 (i.e., the left and right ends), and the pair of second side walls 4b are erected at the ends along the two long sides of the bottom wall 3 (i.e., the front and rear ends).

[0025] 2-2-1. First side wall The pair of first side walls 4a shown in Figure 1A have the same structure. Each of the pair of first side walls 4a is made of a single plate. The lower ends of each of the pair of first side walls 4a are detachably connected to the left and right ends of the bottom wall 3. The upper ends of each of the pair of first side walls 4a are rotatably and detachably connected to the left and right short side frames 20 of the upper frame 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, each of the lower ends of the pair of first side walls 4a is provided with engaging portions 40 that are detachably connected to the left and right ends of the bottom wall 3. In this embodiment, the engaging portions 40 are a pair of front and rear projections 400 that protrude inward in the left and right directions from the lower ends of the first side walls 4a.

[0027] Each of the pair of first side walls 4a has a recessed mounting portion 41 at its upper end to which the operating member 10 is attached. One mounting portion 41 is provided at the front and rear ends of the upper end of each of the first side walls 4a.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1B and 4, the mounting portion 41 includes a first opening 410 through which a part of the operating member 5 (specifically the operating portion 51) is exposed, and a second opening 411 through which another part of the operating member 5 (specifically the locking portion 52) is exposed. Both the first opening 410 and the second opening 411 open toward the internal space of the container 1. The first opening 410 and the second opening 411 are rectangular openings. The mounting portion 41 is not exposed toward the external space of the container 1. The mounting portion 41 further includes an insertion hole 412 (see Figures 10A and 10B) through which the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 passes.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1B, the upper and lower edges of the first opening 410 are provided with claw portions 413 that support the operating member 5. The operating member 5 is supported by the pair of upper and lower claw portions 413, which prevents it from falling out of the mounting portion 41.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, each of the pair of first side walls 4a has an upper end portion further provided with a pair of recesses 42 into which a bearing 6 provided on the upper frame 2 is fitted. One recess 42 is provided at the front and rear ends of the upper end portion of the first side wall 4a. Each of the pair of recesses 42 is located adjacent to the pair of mounting portions 41. In this embodiment, each of the pair of recesses 42 opens upward and also opens to the left and right, and is provided in a notched shape. The pair of recesses 42 are provided symmetrically.

[0031] The recess 42 is located next to the first opening 410 and is on the opposite side of the first opening 410 from the second opening 411. The recess 42 communicates with the insertion hole 412 (see Figures 10A and 10B).

[0032] As shown in Figures 1B and 10A, the recess 42 is provided with a hook portion 420 that engages with the bearing 6. In this embodiment, the hook portion 420 is a cylindrical projection that protrudes toward the through hole 412 from the wall of the recess 42 facing the through hole 412.

[0033] The hook portion 420 has the same diameter as the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5. When the operating member 5 is attached to the mounting portion 41, the central axis of the connecting shaft 50 and the central axis of the hook portion 420 are located on the same straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

[0034] 2-2-2.Second side wall The pair of second side walls 4b shown in Figure 1A have the same structure. Each of the pair of second side walls 4b consists of two plates 43 and 44 that are rotatably connected to each other. Each of the pair of second side walls 4b can be switched between an assembled state in which the two plates 43 and 44 are arranged vertically in a single plate shape, and a folded state in which the two plates 43 and 44 are stacked in the thickness direction. In the assembled state, each of the pair of second side walls 4b is erected at the front and rear ends of the bottom wall 3.

[0035] The lower ends of each of the pair of second side walls 4b are rotatably and detachably connected to the front and rear ends of the bottom wall 3. The upper ends of each of the pair of second side walls 4b are rotatably and detachably connected to the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the upper end of the upper plate 43 is provided with an upper connecting portion 430 used for connecting to the upper frame 2. The lower end of the lower plate 44 is provided with a lower connecting portion 440 used for connecting to the bottom wall 3. The lower end of the upper plate 43 and the upper end of the lower plate 44 are provided with intermediate connecting portions 431 and 441, which are hinge structures that allow them to be rotatably connected.

[0037] The upper connecting portion 430 has a plurality of protrusions 432 arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction, and a connecting shaft 433 that protrudes from some of the protrusions 432 toward one side in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the connecting shaft 433 protrudes in the same direction from each of the remaining protrusions 432a, excluding one protrusion 432b located at one end in the left-right direction. In the rear second side wall 4b shown in Figure 5, the connecting shaft 433 protrudes to the left. In the front second side wall 4b, the connecting shaft 433 protrudes to the right.

[0038] The upper part of the upper plate material 43 is provided with a concave mounting portion 45 to which the second operating member 7 is attached. The mounting portion 45 is located at one end of the upper plate material 43 in the left-right direction. The mounting portion 45 is open in both the front-rear direction and upward. The upper end opening 450 of the mounting portion 45 is located between two protrusions 432a located at one end of the upper surface of the upper plate material 43 in the left-right direction.

[0039] The mounting portion 45 has a first opening 451 through which a part of the second operating member 7 (specifically the operating portion 70) is exposed, and a second opening 452 through which another part of the second operating member 7 (specifically the locking portion 71) is exposed. Both the first opening 451 and the second opening 452 open toward the external space of the container 1 (specifically toward the front-rear outward direction). Both the first opening 451 and the second opening 452 are rectangular openings.

[0040] The mounting portion 45 further has a pair of left and right third openings 453 that open toward the internal space of the container 1 (more specifically, toward the inside in the front-to-back direction), as shown in Figure 12A. Each of the left and right third openings 453 is a rectangular opening that extends in the vertical direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the lower connecting portion 440 has a plurality of protrusions 442 arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction, and a plurality of connecting shafts 443 protruding in the same direction from each of the plurality of protrusions 442. In the rear second side wall 4b shown in Figure 5, the connecting shafts 443 protrude to the left. In the front second side wall 4b, the connecting shafts 443 protrude to the right.

[0042] The lower part of the lower plate material 44 is provided with a concave mounting portion 46 to which the third operating member 8 is attached. The mounting portion 46 has the same structure as the mounting portion 45 and is provided symmetrically with respect to the mounting portion 45.

[0043] The mounting portion 46 is located at one end of the lower plate material 44 in the left-right direction. The mounting portion 46 is located at the same position as the mounting portion 45 in the left-right direction and directly below the mounting portion 45. The mounting portion 46 has openings in both the front-rear direction and downwards. The lower end opening 460 of the mounting portion 46 is located between two protrusions 442 located at one end of the lower surface of the lower plate material 44 in the left-right direction.

[0044] The mounting portion 46 has a first opening 461 through which a part of the third operating member 8 (specifically the operating portion 80) is exposed, and a second opening 462 through which another part of the third operating member 8 (specifically the locking portion 81) is exposed. Both the first opening 461 and the second opening 462 open toward the external space of the container 1 (specifically toward the front-rear outward direction). Both the first opening 461 and the second opening 462 are rectangular openings.

[0045] The mounting portion 46 further has a pair of left and right third openings 463 that open toward the internal space of the container 1 (more specifically, toward the inside in the front-rear direction), as shown in Figure 13A. Each of the left and right third openings 463 is a rectangular opening that extends in the vertical direction.

[0046] 2-3. Bottom wall The bottom wall 3 shown in Figure 6 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall body 30 that constitutes the main body, connecting portions 31 provided at the front and rear ends of the bottom wall body 30, and engaging portions 32 provided at the left and right ends of the bottom wall body 30. The bottom wall 3 further comprises a strip-shaped cover portion 33 that covers the connecting portions 31 from the outside in the front-rear direction, and a strip-shaped cover portion 34 that covers the engaging portions 32 from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0047] The connecting portion 31 has a plurality of protrusions 35 arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of protrusions 35 is provided with a bearing recess 36 that opens in the same direction. In the front connecting portion 31, the bearing recess 36 opens to the left, and in the rear connecting portion 31, the bearing recess 36 opens to the right.

[0048] The arrangement of the multiple protrusions 35 corresponds to the arrangement of the multiple protrusions 442 and connecting shafts 443 (see Figure 5) on the second side wall 4b. One protrusion 442 and a connecting shaft 443 can be inserted between two adjacent protrusions 35 so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 32 has two engaging projections 37 that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Each of the two engaging projections 37 is a U-shaped portion that protrudes inward from the cover portion 34 in the left-right direction. The two projections 400 of the first side wall 4a shown in Figure 4 engage with these two engaging projections 37.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, each of the two cover portions 34 is provided with a locking hole 340 at one end in the front-rear direction through which a connecting shaft 443 (see Figure 5), which protrudes from a projection 442 at one end in the left-right direction of the second side wall 4b, passes. The left cover portion 34 has a locking hole 340 at its rear end, and the right cover portion 34 has a locking hole 340 at its front end.

[0051] 2-4. Lid The lid 9 shown in Figures 2 and 7 has a first lid 9a and a second lid 9b positioned side by side. The first lid 9a and the second lid 9b have the same structure. The first lid 9a, which opens and closes the front half of the opening in the upper frame 2, will be described in detail below.

[0052] The first lid 9a has a plate-shaped lid body 90 and a connecting portion 91 provided at one end (front end) of the lid body 90 in the front-rear direction. Fitting holes 92 are provided at both the left and right ends of the lid body 90 into which the projection 200 of the upper frame 2 fits. The fitting holes 92 penetrate the lid body 90 in the vertical direction (thickness direction).

[0053] The connecting portion 91 is rotatably and detachably connected to the connecting portion 22 of the upper frame 2. The connecting portion 91 has a plurality of protrusions 93 arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction, and a connecting shaft 94 that protrudes from some of the protrusions 93 toward one side in the left-right direction.

[0054] The multiple protrusions 93 include multiple protrusions 93a from which the connecting shaft 94 protrudes, and multiple protrusions 93b from which bearing grooves 930 opening downward are formed. In the first cover 9a, the connecting shaft 94 protrudes to the right from each protrusion 93a, and in the second cover 9b, the connecting shaft 94 protrudes to the left from each protrusion 93a.

[0055] The arrangement of the multiple protrusions 93a and 93b corresponds to the arrangement of the multiple protrusions 23 and multiple connecting shafts 24 of the upper frame 2 (see Figure 1A). One protrusion 93 can be inserted between two adjacent protrusions 23 so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0056] 2-5. Operating Members The operating member 5 shown in Figure 1B is operable by the user and is used to connect the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a. The operating member 5 has at least a connecting shaft 50 used to connect the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a.

[0057] The container 1 of this embodiment includes a total of four operating members 5 attached to the front and rear mounting portions 41 of each of the pair of first side walls 4a. As shown in Figure 4, the two operating members 5 attached to one first side wall 4a are arranged symmetrically to each other. Similarly, the two operating members 5 attached to the other first side wall 4a are arranged symmetrically to each other. Below, the operating member 5 attached to the mounting portion 41 at the front end of the right first side wall 4a shown in Figure 1B will be described in detail.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the operating member 5 has an operating section 51 that can be operated by hand, a connecting shaft 50 protruding from the operating section 51, and a locking section 52 protruding from the operating section 51. The locking section 52 is elastically deformable.

[0059] In this embodiment, the operating section 51 is a rectangular box shape with an opening on the left-right side (left side in Figure 8). The operating section 51 has a rectangular bottom plate 510 and four side plate portions 511 that protrude inward in the left-right direction from the four sides of the bottom plate portion 510. The four side plate portions 511 have two side plate portions 511a that face each other in the front-rear direction and two side plate portions 511b that face each other in the up-down direction.

[0060] A connecting shaft 50 protrudes from one of the two side plate portions 511a, and a locking portion 52 protrudes from the other. The directions in which the connecting shaft 50 and the locking portion 52 protrude are opposite to each other. An operating portion 51 is located between the connecting shaft 50 and the locking portion 52.

[0061] The operating member 5 further has a box-shaped extension 53 provided on the same side as the locking portion 52 relative to the operating portion 51. The extension 53 is a rectangular box shape that opens outward in the left-right direction (to the right in Figure 8). The extension 53 has a rectangular bottom plate portion 530. A hole 531 is provided in a part of the bottom plate portion 530 that penetrates in the left-right direction. The locking portion 52 is positioned within this hole 531.

[0062] The locking portion 52 has a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 520 that protrudes rearward from the rear side plate portion 511a of the operating portion 51, and a claw portion 521 that protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the tip portion (rear end portion) of the main body portion 520. Because the locking portion 52 is located within the hole 531 of the bottom plate portion 530, the entire locking portion 52 is elastically deformable so that the claw portion 521 on the tip side moves in the left-right direction.

[0063] The operating member 5 further has a pair of upper and lower ribs 54 on which a pair of claws 413 (see Figure 1B) of the mounting portion 41 catch. Each of the upper and lower ribs 54 is a rib with a projection extending in the front-rear direction. Each of the upper and lower ribs 54 extends from the front end of the operating portion 51 to the rear end of the extension portion 53.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the operating member 5 is attached to the mounting portion 41 of the first side wall 4a. The operating member 5 can be moved in and out of the mounting portion 41 through the first opening 410 and is detachable from the mounting portion 41.

[0065] When the operating member 5 is inserted inside the mounting portion 41, the pair of upper and lower claws 413 of the mounting portion 41 catch on the pair of upper and lower ribs 54 from the inside in the left-right direction, preventing it from falling out of the first opening 410. The operating member 5 can be inserted into and removed from the mounting portion 41 by applying a certain amount of force and moving it in the left-right direction so that the pair of upper and lower ribs 54 overcome the pair of upper and lower claws 413 of the mounting portion 41.

[0066] The operating member 5 is movable in the front-rear direction inside the mounting portion 41. The operating member 5 can be moved in the front-rear direction by operating the operating portion 51, which is exposed from the first opening 410, back and forth with a finger. The operating member 5 is movable in the front-rear direction between the connected position shown in Figures 9A and 10A and the unconnected position shown in Figures 9B and 10B. Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views taken in a virtual vertical plane passing through the central axis of the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5.

[0067] When the operating member 5 is in the connected position shown in Figures 9A and 10A, the operating portion 51 of the operating member 5 is located in the front part of the first opening 410 of the mounting portion 41. At this time, the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 passes through the insertion hole 412 of the mounting portion 41, and the tip of the connecting shaft 50 is located in the recess 42 of the first side wall 4a, and is positioned in the through hole 60 of the bearing 6 within the recess 42. Also at this time, the entire locking portion 52 of the operating member 5 is located in the first opening 410.

[0068] When in the unconnected position shown in Figures 9B and 10B, the operating section 51 is located towards the rear of the first opening 410 of the mounting section 41. At this time, the connecting shaft 50 is located in the first opening 410. This releases the connecting shaft 50 from being supported by the bearing 6, and the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a become detachable. Also at this time, the claw portion 521 of the locking section 52 is located in the second opening 411.

[0069] The movement of the operating member 5 from the connected position shown in Figure 9A to the unconnected position shown in Figure 9B is restricted by the claw portion 521 of the locking portion 52 of the operating member 5 catching on the inner edge (rear edge in the figure) in the front-rear direction of the first opening 410. Similarly, the movement of the operating member 5 from the unconnected position to the connected position is restricted by the claw portion 521 of the locking portion 52 of the operating member 5 catching on the outer edge (front edge in the figure) in the front-rear direction of the second opening 411. This prevents unintended movement of the operating member 5 between the connected and unconnected positions.

[0070] The operating member 5 in the connected position can be moved to the unconnected position by inserting a finger into the first opening 410 and pressing the claw portion 521 of the locking portion 52 to elastically deform it, while moving the operating portion 51 inward in the front-rear direction (towards the rear in the figure).

[0071] The operating member 5, which is in the unconnected position, can be moved to the connected position by inserting a finger into the first opening 410 and moving the operating part 51 outward in the front-rear direction (towards the front in the diagram).

[0072] The other three operating members 5 provided on container 1 can also be operated in the same manner as described above.

[0073] 2-6. Second operating member The second operating member 7 shown in Figure 1A is operable by the user and is used to connect the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b. The second operating member 7 does not have a connecting shaft used to connect the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b.

[0074] The container 1 of this embodiment includes a total of two second operating members 7, which are attached to mounting portions 45 at one end in the left-right direction of each of the pair of second side walls 4b. Below, the second operating member 7 attached to the mounting portion 45 at the right end of the rear second side wall 4b shown in Figure 1A will be described in detail.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, the second operating member 7 includes an operating section 70 that can be operated by hand, an elastically deformable locking section 71, a stopper section 72 that prevents relative left-right movement between the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b, and a second locking section 73 that restricts the vertical movement of the second operating member 7. The second operating member 7 further includes an intermediate section 74 located between the operating section 70 and the stopper section 72.

[0076] The operating section 70 is a rectangular box shape with an opening on the inside in the front-to-back direction (rear side in Figure 11). Similarly, the stopper section 72 is a rectangular box shape with an opening on the inside in the front-to-back direction (rear side in Figure 11).

[0077] The operating section 70 has a rectangular base plate portion 700 and four side plate portions 701 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction from the four sides of the base plate portion 700.

[0078] The stopper portion 72 has a rectangular base plate portion 720 and four side plate portions 721 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction from the four sides of the base plate portion 720. A locking portion 71 protrudes downward (i.e., on the opposite side from the stopper portion 72) from the lower of the four side plate portions 721.

[0079] The intermediate section 74 has a rectangular bottom plate section 740 connecting the bottom plate section 700 of the operating section 70 and the bottom plate section 720 of the stopper section 72, and a plurality (specifically four) of vertical ribs 741 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction from the bottom plate section 740 and connect the upper side plate section 701 of the operating section 70 and the lower side plate section 721 of the stopper section 72. A through hole 742 that penetrates in the front-rear direction is provided in the central part of the bottom plate section 740 (between the two vertical ribs 741 located in the center). A pair of left and right second locking sections 73 protrude inward in the front-rear direction (towards the front in the figure) from the bottom plate section 740.

[0080] The locking portion 71 has a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 710 that protrudes downward from the lower side plate portion 721 of the stopper portion 72, and a claw portion 711 that protrudes outward in the front-rear direction from the tip portion (lower end) of the main body portion 710. The locking portion 71 is positioned in the space between the two central vertical ribs 741, so that the entire locking portion 71 is elastically deformable so that the claw portion 711 at the tip moves in the front-rear direction.

[0081] The second operating member 7 is attached to the mounting portion 45 of the second side wall 4b, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 12A-C. The second operating member 7 can be moved in and out of the mounting portion 45 through the upper end opening 450 of the mounting portion 45, and is detachable from the mounting portion 45. The attachment of the second operating member 7 to the mounting portion 45 is performed before connecting the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b.

[0082] The second operating member 7 is movable vertically relative to the mounting portion 45. The second operating member 7 can be moved vertically by operating the operating portion 70 exposed from the first opening 451 up and down with a finger. The operation of the second operating member 7 is performed in a bearing state, as shown in Figure 12B, in which the multiple connecting shafts 433 of the second side wall 4b are inserted into the through holes 260 of the multiple bearings 26 of the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2.

[0083] The second operating member 7 is movable vertically between the connected position shown in Figures 3 and 12C and the unconnected position shown in Figures 5 and 12B. Figures 12A to 12C show the rear second side wall 4b and the second operating member 7 as seen from the internal space side of the container 1.

[0084] When the second operating member 7 is in the connected position shown in Figures 3 and 12C, the operating portion 70 of the second operating member 7 is located on the upper part of the first opening 451 of the mounting portion 45. At this time, as shown in Figure 12C, the stopper portion 72 of the second operating member 7 protrudes above the upper end opening 450 of the mounting portion 45 and enters into the space between the protruding portion 432 of the second side wall 4b and the bearing 26 of the upper frame 2, filling this space. As a result, the relative lateral movement of the second side wall 4b and the upper frame 2 is restricted by the stopper portion 72, and the connected state of the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b is maintained. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 3, the claw portion 711 of the locking portion 71 of the second operating member 7 is located in the second opening 452, and the claw portion 711 catches on the lower edge of the second opening 452. This prevents the second operating member 7, which is in the connected position, from unintentionally moving to the unconnected position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12C, the pair of left and right second locking portions 73 of the second operating member 7 are located at the upper ends of the pair of left and right third openings 453. This restricts the upward movement of the second operating member 7.

[0085] When in the unconnected position shown in Figures 5 and 12B, the operating part 70 is located near the lower part of the first opening 451 of the mounting part 45. At this time, as shown in Figure 12B, the stopper part 72 is located below the upper end opening 450 of the mounting part 45, allowing relative movement of the second side wall 4b and the upper frame 2 in the left-right direction, and the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b become detachable. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 5, the claw part 711 of the locking part 71 is located at the first opening 451, and the locking to the second side wall 4b is released. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 12B, the pair of left and right second locking parts 73 are located at the lower ends of the pair of left and right third openings 453. This restricts the downward movement of the second operating member 7.

[0086] Furthermore, the movement of the second operating member 7 from the unconnected position to the connected position is restricted by the claw portion 711 of the locking portion 71 of the second operating member 7 catching on the upper edge of the first opening 451. This prevents unintended movement of the second operating member 7 from the unconnected position to the connected position.

[0087] The second operating member 7, which is in the unconnected position, can be moved to the connected position by moving the operating section 70 upwards.

[0088] The second operating member 7, which is in the connected position, can be moved to the unconnected position by inserting a finger into the second opening 452 and pressing the claw portion 711 of the locking portion 71 to elastically deform it, while simultaneously inserting a finger into the first opening 451 and moving the operating portion 70 downwards.

[0089] 2-7. Third operating member The third operating member 8 shown in Figure 3 is operable by the user and is used to connect the bottom wall 3 and the second side wall 4b. The third operating member 8 does not have a connecting shaft used to connect the bottom wall 3 and the second side wall 4b.

[0090] The container 1 of this embodiment includes a total of two third operating members 8 attached to mounting portions 46 at one end in the left-right direction of each of the pair of second side walls 4b. Below, the third operating member 8 attached to the mounting portion 46 at the right end of the rear second side wall 4b shown in Figure 1A will be described in detail.

[0091] The third operating member 8 is a member of the same shape as the second operating member 7, and is used upside down. Therefore, the third operating member 8 has an operating part 80, a locking part 81, a stopper part 82, a second locking part 83, and an intermediate part 84, which correspond to the operating part 70, locking part 71, stopper part 72, second locking part 73, and intermediate part 74 of the second operating member 7.

[0092] The third operating member 8 is attached to the mounting portion 46 of the second side wall 4b, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 13A-C. The third operating member 8 can be moved in and out of the mounting portion 46 through the lower end opening 460 of the mounting portion 46, and is detachable from the mounting portion 46. The attachment of the third operating member 8 to the mounting portion 46 is performed before connecting the bottom wall 3 and the second side wall 4b.

[0093] The third operating member 8 is movable vertically relative to the mounting portion 46. The third operating member 8 can be moved vertically by operating the operating portion 80 exposed from the first opening 461 up and down with a finger. The operation of the third operating member 8 is performed in a bearing state, as shown in Figure 13B, in which the multiple connecting shafts 443 of the second side wall 4b are inserted into the bearing recesses 36 of the multiple protrusions 35 of the bottom wall 3.

[0094] The third operating member 8 is movable vertically between the connected position shown in Figures 3 and 13C and the unconnected position shown in Figures 5 and 13A. Figures 13A to 13C show the rear second side wall 4b and the third operating member 8 as seen from the internal space side of the container 1.

[0095] When the third operating member 8 is in the connected position shown in Figures 3 and 13C, the operating portion 80 of the third operating member 8 is located near the lower part of the first opening 461 of the mounting portion 46. At this time, as shown in Figure 13C, the stopper portion 82 of the third operating member 8 protrudes below the lower end opening 460 of the mounting portion 46 and enters into the space between the protruding portion 442 of the second side wall 4b and the protruding portion 35 of the bottom wall 3, filling this space. As a result, the relative lateral movement of the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3 is restricted by the stopper portion 82, and the connected state of the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3 is maintained. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 3, the claw portion 811 of the locking portion 81 of the third operating member 8 is located in the second opening 462, and the claw portion 811 catches on the upper edge of the second opening 462. This prevents the third operating member 8, which is in the connected position, from unintentionally moving to the unconnected position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13C, the pair of left and right second locking portions 83 of the third operating member 8 are located at the lower ends of the pair of left and right third openings 463. This restricts the downward movement of the third operating member 8.

[0096] When in the unconnected position shown in Figures 5 and 13B, the operating part 80 is located on the upper part of the first opening 461 of the mounting part 46. At this time, as shown in Figure 13B, the stopper part 82 is located above the lower end opening 460 of the mounting part 46, allowing relative movement of the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3 in the left-right direction, and the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3 become detachable. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 5, the claw part 811 of the locking part 81 is located at the first opening 461, and the locking to the second side wall 4b is released. Also at this time, as shown in Figure 13B, the pair of left and right second locking parts 83 are located at the upper ends of the pair of left and right third openings 463. This restricts the upward movement of the third operating member 8.

[0097] Furthermore, the movement of the third operating member 8 from the unconnected position to the connected position is restricted by the claw portion 811 of the locking portion 81 of the third operating member 8 catching on the lower edge of the first opening 461. This prevents unintended movement of the third operating member 8 from the unconnected position to the connected position.

[0098] The third operating member 8, which is in the unconnected position, can be moved to the connected position by moving the operating section 80 downwards.

[0099] The third operating member 8, which is in the connected position, can be moved to the unconnected position by inserting a finger into the second opening 462, pressing the claw portion 811 of the locking portion 81 to elastically deform it, and simultaneously inserting a finger into the first opening 461 to move the operating portion 80 upward.

[0100] 2-8. Fourth operating member The fourth operating member 10, shown in Figures 1A and 3, is operable by the user and is used to connect the lid 9 (lids 9a, 9b) to the upper frame 2. The fourth operating member 10 does not have a connecting shaft used to connect the lid 9 to the upper frame 2.

[0101] The container 1 of this embodiment includes a total of two fourth operating members 10, which are attached to mounting portions 25 at one end in the left-right direction of each of the pair of long side frames 21 of the upper frame 2. Below, the fourth operating member 10 attached to the mounting portion 25 at the right end of the rear long side frame 21 shown in Figure 1A will be described in detail.

[0102] As shown in Figure 14, the fourth operating member 10 has an operating part 11 that can be operated by hand, an elastically deformable locking part 12, and a stopper part 13 that stops the relative left-right movement between the lid 9b and the upper frame 2. The fourth operating member 10 further has an intermediate part 14 that connects the operating part 11 and the stopper part 13.

[0103] The operating section 11 is a rectangular box shape with an opening on the outer side in the front-rear direction (rear side in Figure 14). The stopper section 13 is a rectangular box shape with an opening on the inner side in the front-rear direction (front side in Figure 14).

[0104] The stopper portion 13 has a rectangular base plate portion 130 and four side plate portions 131 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction from the four sides of the base plate portion 130. A locking portion 12 protrudes downward (i.e., on the opposite side from the stopper portion 13) from the lower of the four side plate portions 131.

[0105] The intermediate section 14 is a roughly rectangular box shape with an opening on the inside in the front-to-back direction (front side in Figure 14). The intermediate section 14 has a rectangular plate-shaped bottom plate 140. A through hole 141 is provided at one end of the bottom plate 140 in the left-to-right direction (left end in the figure), which penetrates in the front-to-back direction.

[0106] The locking portion 12 has a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 120 that protrudes downward from the lower side plate portion 131 of the stopper portion 13, and a claw portion 121 that protrudes outward in the front-rear direction from the tip portion (lower end) of the main body portion 120. The locking portion 12 is positioned in the through hole 141 of the intermediate portion 14, so that the entire locking portion 12 is elastically deformable so that the claw portion 121 on the tip side moves in the front-rear direction.

[0107] As shown in Figures 15A-C, the fourth operating member 10 is attached to the mounting portion 25 of the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2. The fourth operating member 10 can be moved in and out of the mounting portion 25 through the upper end opening 250 of the mounting portion 25, and is detachable from the mounting portion 25. The attachment of the fourth operating member 10 to the mounting portion 25 is performed before connecting the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2 and the lid 9b.

[0108] The fourth operating member 10 is movable vertically relative to the mounting portion 25. The fourth operating member 10 can be moved vertically by operating the operating portion 11 exposed from the first opening 251 up and down with a finger. The operation of the fourth operating member 10 is performed in a bearing state, as shown in Figure 15B, with the multiple connecting shafts 94 of the lid 9b inserted into the bearing recesses 230 of the multiple protrusions 23 of the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2.

[0109] The fourth operating member 10 is movable vertically between the connected position shown in Figure 15C and the unconnected position shown in Figure 15B. Figures 15A to C show the rear long frame 21 and the fourth operating member 10 as seen from the external space side of the container 1.

[0110] When the fourth operating member 10 is in the connected position shown in Figure 15C, the operating portion 11 of the fourth operating member 10 is located on the upper part of the first opening 251 of the mounting portion 25. At this time, the stopper portion 13 of the fourth operating member 10 protrudes above the upper end opening 250 of the mounting portion 25 and enters into the space between the protruding portion 93 of the lid 9b and the protruding portion 23 (23c) of the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2, filling this space. As a result, the relative left-right movement of the lid 9b and the upper frame 2 is restricted by the stopper portion 13, and the connected state of the lid 9b and the upper frame 2 is maintained. Also at this time, the claw portion 121 of the locking portion 12 of the fourth operating member 10 is located in the second opening 252, and the claw portion 121 catches on the lower edge of the second opening 252. This prevents the fourth operating member 10, which is in the connected position, from unintentionally moving to the unconnected position.

[0111] When in the unconnected position shown in Figure 15B, the operating part 11 is located near the lower part of the first opening 251 of the mounting part 25. At this time, the stopper part 13 is located below the upper end opening 250 of the mounting part 25, allowing relative movement of the lid 9b and the upper frame 2 in the left-right direction, and the lid 9b and the upper frame 2 become detachable. Also at this time, the claw part 121 of the locking part 12 is located at the third opening 253, and the claw part 121 catches on the lower edge of the third opening 253. This restricts the downward movement of the fourth operating member 10.

[0112] The fourth operating member 10, which is in the unconnected position, can be moved to the connected position by inserting a finger into the first opening 251 and moving the operating part 11 upwards.

[0113] The fourth operating member 10, which is in the connected position, can be moved to the unconnected position by inserting a finger into the second opening 252 and pressing the claw portion 121 of the locking portion 12 to elastically deform it, while simultaneously inserting a finger into the first opening 251 and moving the operating portion 11 downwards.

[0114] 3. Method of assembling and disassembling the container Next, we will explain one example of how to assemble the container 1 described above.

[0115] First, the operating members 5, 7, 8, and 10 are attached to the mounting portions 41, 45, 46, and 25 of the pair of first side walls 4a, the pair of second side walls 4b, and the upper frame 2, respectively. Each operating member 5, 7, 8, and 10 is positioned in an unconnected position.

[0116] Next, the bottom wall 3 and the pair of second side walls 4b are connected. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the multiple protrusions 442 at the lower end of the second side walls 4b are positioned between the multiple protrusions 35 of the bottom wall 3, and then the second side walls 4b and the bottom wall 3 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction. As a result, the multiple connecting shafts 443 at the lower end of the second side walls 4b are inserted into the multiple bearing recesses 36 and locking holes 340 (see Figure 6) of the bottom wall 3 and are supported. After this, as shown in Figure 13C, the third operating member 8 in the mounting portion 46 of the second side wall 4b is operated to move it from the unconnected position to the connected position, and the stopper portion 82 of the third operating member 8 is inserted into the space between the protrusions 35 of the bottom wall 3 and the protrusions 442 of the second side wall 4b, filling this space. As a result, the relative movement of the second side walls 4b and the bottom wall 3 in the left-right direction is restricted, and they become inseparable and connected to each other.

[0117] Next, the pair of second side walls 4b and the upper frame 2 are connected. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the multiple protrusions 432 at the upper end of the second side walls 4b are positioned between the multiple bearings 26 of the upper frame 2, and then the second side walls 4b and the upper frame 2 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction. As a result, the multiple connecting shafts 433 at the upper end of the second side walls 4b are inserted into the through holes 260 of the bearings 26 of the upper frame 2 and are supported. After this, as shown in Figure 12C, the second operating member 7 in the mounting portion 45 of the second side wall 4b is operated to move it from the unconnected position to the connected position, and the stopper portion 72 of the second operating member 7 is inserted into the space between the bearings 26 of the upper frame 2 and the protrusions 432 of the second side walls 4b, filling this space. As a result, the relative movement of the second side walls 4b and the upper frame 2 in the left-right direction is restricted, and they become inseparable and connected to each other.

[0118] Next, the upper frame 2 and the pair of first side walls 4a are connected. As shown in Figure 9B, the pair of front and rear bearings 6 of the short side frame 20 of the upper frame 2 are inserted into the pair of front and rear recesses 42 at the upper end of the first side wall 4a. At this time, the pair of front and rear hooks 420 of the first side wall 4a are inserted into the through holes 60 of the front and rear bearings 6 of the short side frame 20 of the upper frame 2, and the first side wall 4a is temporarily supported by the short side frame 20 of the upper frame 2. After this, as shown in Figure 9A, the operating member 5 inside the mounting part 41 of the first side wall 4a is operated to move it from the unconnected position to the connected position, and the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 is inserted into the through hole 260 of the bearing 6 of the upper frame 2. As a result, the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are rotatably connected via the operating member 5 and become in a non-disassemblable state. After connecting the upper frame 2 and the pair of first side walls 4a, the engaging portions 40 (see Figure 4) at the lower ends of each of the pair of first side walls 4a are engaged with the engaging portions 32 at the left and right ends of the bottom wall 3, thereby erecting the pair of first side walls 4a on top of the left and right ends of the bottom wall 3.

[0119] Next, the upper frame 2 and the pair of lids 9a and 9b are connected. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the multiple protrusions 93 of the pair of lids 9a and 9b are positioned between the multiple protrusions 23 of the front and rear long side frames 21 of the upper frame 2, and then the pair of lids 9a and 9b and the upper frame 2 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction. As a result, the multiple connecting shafts 94 of the pair of lids 9a and 9b are inserted into the multiple bearing recesses 230 of the upper frame 2 and supported. After this, as shown in Figure 15C, the fourth operating member 10 in the mounting portion 25 of the upper frame 2 is operated to move it from the unconnected position to the connected position, and the stopper portion 13 of the fourth operating member 10 is inserted into the space between the protrusions 23 of the upper frame 2 and the protrusions 93 of the lids 9a and 9b, filling this space. As a result, the relative movement of the pair of lids 9a and 9b and the upper frame 2 in the left-right direction is restricted, and they become connected and inseparable.

[0120] As described above, by connecting the various parts of container 1 to each other, it can be assembled into the lidded container 1 shown in Figure 2. Note that the order in which adjacent parts are connected is not limited to the order described above.

[0121] Next, we will explain an example of how to disassemble container 1 as described above.

[0122] Container 1 can be separated from each other by operating the operating members 5, 7, 8, and 10, which are located in the connected positions, to move them to the unconnected positions.

[0123] More specifically, the pair of lids 9a and 9b and the upper frame 2 can be disassembled as follows. As shown in Figures 15C and 15B, the fourth operating member 10 in the front and rear mounting portions 25 of the upper frame 2 is operated to move it from the connected position to the disconnected position. This creates a space between the protrusions 23 of the upper frame 2 and the protrusions 93 of the lids 9a and 9b, making the pair of lids 9a and 9b and the upper frame 2 detachable, allowing relative movement in the left-right direction. Next, as shown in Figures 15B and 15A, the pair of lids 9a and 9b and the upper frame 2 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction to release the support of the multiple connecting shafts 94 of the pair of lids 9a and 9b by the multiple protrusions 23 of the upper frame 2, and the pair of lids 9a and 9b are removed from the upper frame 2.

[0124] Furthermore, the upper frame 2 and the pair of first side walls 4a can be disassembled as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the operating members 5 in the left and right mounting portions 41 of each of the pair of first side walls 4a are operated to move them from the connected position to the disconnected position. As a result, the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 separates from the bearing 6 of the upper frame 2, and the upper frame 2 and the pair of first side walls 4a are in a temporary support state in which the front and rear hook portions 420 of the first side walls 4a are hooked onto the front and rear bearings 6 of the upper frame 2. Next, the front and rear bearings 6 of the upper frame 2 are slightly deformed inward in the front-rear direction to release the temporary support state and remove the pair of first side walls 4a from the upper frame 2.

[0125] Furthermore, the upper frame 2 and the pair of second side walls 4b can be disassembled as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figures 12C and 12B, the second operating members 7 in the left and right mounting portions 45 at the upper end of the second side wall 4b are operated to move from the connected position to the disconnected position. This creates a space between the bearing 26 of the long side frame 21 of the upper frame 2 and the protruding portion 432 at the upper end of the second side wall 4b, making the pair of second side walls 4b and the upper frame 2 detachable and allowing relative movement in the left-right direction. Next, as shown in Figures 12B and 12A, the pair of second side walls 4b and the upper frame 2 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction to release the state in which the multiple connecting shafts 433 of the pair of second side walls 4b are supported by the multiple bearings 26 of the upper frame 2, and the upper ends of the pair of second side walls 4b are removed from the upper frame 2.

[0126] Furthermore, the bottom wall 3 and the pair of second side walls 4b can be disassembled as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figures 13C and 13B, the third operating members 8 in the left and right mounting portions 46 at the lower end of the second side walls 4b are operated to move from the connected position to the disconnected position. This creates a space between the protrusion 35 of the bottom wall 3 and the protrusion 442 at the lower end of the second side walls 4b, making the pair of second side walls 4b and the bottom wall 3 detachable and allowing relative movement in the left-right direction. Next, as shown in Figures 13B and 13A, the pair of second side walls 4b and the bottom wall 3 are moved relative to each other in the left-right direction to release the support of the multiple connecting shafts 443 of the pair of second side walls 4b by the multiple protrusions 35 of the bottom wall 3, and the lower ends of the pair of second side walls 4b are removed from the bottom wall 3.

[0127] Furthermore, each operating member 5, 7, 8, and 10 can be removed as follows. Specifically, operating member 5 can be removed from the first opening 410 of the mounting portion 41 of the first side wall 4a. The second operating member 7 can be removed from the upper end opening 450 of the mounting portion 45 of the second side wall 4b. The third operating member 8 can be removed from the lower end opening 460 of the mounting portion 46 of the second side wall 4b. The fourth operating member 10 can be removed from the upper end opening 250 of the mounting portion 25 of the upper frame 2.

[0128] As described above, each part of container 1 can be disassembled from one another. The order of disassembly can be selected as appropriate.

[0129] 4. Effects In the container 1 of this embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the operating member 5 can be moved between a connected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is separated from the bearing 6 by operating the operating member 5. Therefore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to switch between a state in which the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are connected and a state in which the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are detachable, and the connection and detachment of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed.

[0130] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, a connecting shaft 50 is provided on the operating member 5 attached to the first side wall 4a. Therefore, even if the connecting shaft 50 is damaged, only the operating member 5 needs to be replaced, and the replacement of the connecting shaft 50 can be easily performed. In addition, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the connection and disassembly of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed, so the replacement of the first side wall 4a can also be easily performed.

[0131] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the operating member 5 has an elastically deformable locking portion 52 that hooks onto the edges of the openings 410 and 411 of the mounting portion 41 of the first side wall 4a, and the locking portion 52 is exposed through the openings 410 and 411 in the connected and disconnected positions. Therefore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the locking portion 52 hooks onto the first side wall 4a, preventing the operating member 5 from unintentionally moving between the connected and disconnected positions. Also, the locking state can be easily released by inserting a finger into the openings 410 and 411 and manipulating the locking portion 52 to elastically deform it.

[0132] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the first side wall 4a has a recessed mounting portion 41 for attaching the operating member 5. Therefore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the operating member 5 from protruding from the first side wall 4a into the internal space of the container 1, thereby preventing the operating member 5 from coming into contact with the contents inside the container 1 or with the hands used to put in or take out the contents, and preventing the operating member 5 from moving unintentionally.

[0133] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the concave mounting portion 41 includes openings 410 and 411 through which the operating portion 51 and locking portion 52 of the operating member 5 are exposed, making it easy to operate the operating portion 51 and locking portion 52 with your fingers. The same applies to the other mounting portions 45, 46, 25 and the operating members 7, 8, and 10.

[0134] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, a hook portion 420 that catches on the bearing 6 is provided in the recess 42 in which the bearing 6 is housed, so that the first side wall 4a can be temporarily supported by the upper frame 2. For this reason, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 is easily inserted into the through hole 60 of the bearing 6.

[0135] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the hook portion 420, which consists of a projection, and the connecting shaft 50 of the operating member 5 can be inserted into the through hole 60 of the bearing 6. This prevents the load from concentrating on the connecting shaft 50, making it less likely to be damaged. In addition, the central axis of the connecting shaft 50 and the hook portion 420 becomes the axis of rotation of the first side wall 4a relative to the upper frame 2, making it easier to rotate the first side wall 4a relative to the upper frame 2.

[0136] Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the upper frame 2 and the second side wall 4b can be switched between a non-disassemblable state and a disassemblable state by operating the second operating member 7. Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the second side wall 4b and the bottom wall 3 can be switched between a non-disassemblable state and a disassemblable state by operating the third operating member 8. Furthermore, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the upper frame 2 and the lids 9a and 9b can be switched between a non-disassemblable state and a disassemblable state by operating the fourth operating member 10. Here, the non-disassemblable state is a state in which the shafts and bearings of two connected parts cannot move away from each other. The disassemblable state is a state in which the shafts and bearings of two connected parts can move away from each other.

[0137] Thus, in the container 1 of this embodiment, not only the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a, but also each part that makes up the container 1 can be easily disassembled, making it easy to replace parts and providing excellent usability.

[0138] 5. Variations Next, a modified version of the container 1 of the above-described embodiment will be explained. The modified versions described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0139] The operating member 5 may be attached to either the first side wall 4a or the upper frame 2, or it may be attached to the upper frame 2. In this case, the bearing 6 is provided on the first side wall 4a.

[0140] Similarly, the second operating member 7 may be attached to the upper frame 2. The third operating member 8 may be attached to the bottom wall 3. The fourth operating member 10 may be attached to the lid 9.

[0141] The arrangement of the connecting shafts and bearings provided in the upper frame 2, bottom wall 3, second side wall 4b, and lids 9a, 9b may be opposite to that of the embodiment described above.

[0142] The operating member 5 does not need to have an elastically deformable locking portion 52.

[0143] The recess 42 in which the bearing 6 is housed does not necessarily need to have a hook portion 420 that engages with the bearing 6.

[0144] The hook portion 420 only needs to be configured to hook onto the bearing 6, and is not limited to a protrusion that extends toward the connecting shaft 50.

[0145] The operating member 5 is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 8. For example, the locking portion 52 may be located on the same side as the connecting shaft 50 relative to the operating portion 51. In other words, the connecting shaft 50 and the locking portion 52 may protrude from the operating portion 51 in the same direction.

[0146] Furthermore, the operating members 7, 8, and 10 are not limited to the structures shown in Figures 11 and 14. For example, the operating members 7, 8, and 10 may have a connecting shaft 50 instead of a stopper portion, similar to the operating member 5, and the upper frame 2, bottom wall 3, second side wall 4b, and lids 9a and 9b may be connected via the operating members 7, 8, and 10.

[0147] Container 1 may be equipped with only the operating member 5 out of the operating members 5, 7, 8, and 10. In this case, the upper frame 2, bottom wall 3, second side wall 4b, and lids 9a and 9b may be connected to each other by force-fitting (press-fitting) the connecting shaft and bearing.

[0148] Container 1 does not need to have a lid 9. In this case, the upper frame 2 does not need to have a connecting portion 22, a projection 200, and a mounting portion 25.

[0149] The mounting portion 41 is not limited to a concave shape and does not necessarily include the first opening 410 and the second opening 411. The operating member 5 may be attached to the upper frame 2 or the first side wall 4a so that its entirety is exposed to the internal space side of the container 1. Alternatively, the operating member 5 may be attached to the upper frame 2 or the first side wall 4a so that it is exposed to the external space side rather than the internal space side of the container 1. The same applies to the mounting portions 45, 46, and 25.

[0150] Each of the pair of first side walls 4a may be provided with only one of the front or rear mounting portions 41.

[0151] The pair of second side walls 4b are not limited to the structure shown in Figure 5, etc. For example, each of the pair of second side walls 4b may have a support recess 47 that is recessed inward in the left-right direction on one side end surface of the upper plate material 43, as shown in Figure 16. In the rear second side wall 4b, the support recess 47 is provided on the right side end surface of the plate material 43, and in the front second side wall 4b, the support recess 47 is provided on the left side end surface of the plate material 43. The lower surface 470 of the support recess 47 is an inclined surface that is positioned lower towards the inward side in the front-rear direction (towards the internal space of the container 1 in the thickness direction of the plate material 43). In this case, when connecting the upper frame 2 and the second side walls 4b, the lower surface of the short side frame 20 of the upper frame 2 can be supported by the inclined lower surface 470 of the support recess 47, making it easier to connect the upper frame 2 and the second side walls 4b with the second side walls 4b inclined relative to the upper frame 2.

[0152] Furthermore, each of the pair of second side walls 4b may have a support recess 48 on one side end surface of the lower plate material 44 in the left-right direction, which is recessed inward in the left-right direction. In the rear second side wall 4b, the support recess 48 is provided on the right side end surface of the plate material 43, and in the front second side wall 4b, the support recess 48 is provided on the left side end surface of the plate material 43. The upper surface 480 of the support recess 48 is an inclined surface that is positioned higher the further inward the front-rear direction (towards the internal space of the container 1 in the thickness direction of the plate material 44). In this case, when connecting the bottom wall 3 and the second side walls 4b, the inclined upper surface 480 of the support recess 48 can be placed on the upper surface of the cover portion 34 of the bottom wall 3, making it easier to connect the bottom wall 3 and the second side walls 4b with the second side walls 4b inclined relative to the bottom wall 3. Note that each of the pair of second side walls 4b may have only one of the upper and lower support recesses 47, 48 described above.

[0153] At least a portion of the operating members 5, 7, 8, and 10 are not limited to being made of synthetic resin, but may be made of other rigid materials such as metal.

[0154] (summary) As described above in the embodiment and its modifications, the container 1 of the first embodiment has the following configuration.

[0155] In other words, the container 1 in the first embodiment comprises an upper frame 2, a bottom wall 3, and a plurality of side walls 4 assembled between the upper frame 2 and the bottom wall 3. The plurality of side walls 4 include a first side wall 4a that is rotatably connected to the upper frame 2. An operable operating member 5 is attached to either the first side wall 4a or the upper frame 2. The operating member 5 has a connecting shaft 50 that rotatably connects the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2. The other member of the upper frame 2 has a bearing 6 that receives the connecting shaft 50. The operating member 5 is movable between a connected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is separated from the bearing 6.

[0156] In the first embodiment of the container 1 having the above configuration, the operating member 5 can be moved between a connected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is received by the bearing 6 and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft 50 is separated from the bearing 6 by operating the operating member 5. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the container 1, it is easy to switch between a state in which the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are connected and a state in which the first side wall 4a and the upper frame 2 are detachable, and the connection and disassembly of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the container 1, since the connecting shaft 50 is provided on the operating member 5 attached to one of the members of the first side wall 4a or the upper frame 2, even if the connecting shaft 50 is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the operating member 5, and the replacement of the connecting shaft 50 can be easily performed. In addition, in the first embodiment of the container 1, since the connection and disassembly of the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a can be easily performed, the replacement of the first side wall 4a can also be easily performed.

[0157] Furthermore, as described above in the embodiment and its modifications, the container 1 of the second embodiment is further equipped with the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the container 1 of the first embodiment.

[0158] In other words, in the container 1 of the second embodiment, the operating member 5 is elastically deformable and has a locking portion 52 that hooks onto the other member.

[0159] In the second embodiment of the container 1 having the above configuration, the locking portion 52 can be released from being caught on the one member by applying force to the locking portion 52 and causing it to elastically deform, making it easy to lock and release the container from the one member.

[0160] Furthermore, as described above in one embodiment and its modified form, the container 1 of the third embodiment is further equipped with the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the container 1 of the second embodiment.

[0161] In other words, in the third embodiment of the container 1, the operating member 5 has an operating section 51 that can be operated by hand, a connecting shaft 50 protruding from the operating section 51, and a locking section 52 protruding from the operating section 51. The other member has a concave mounting section 45 to which the operating member 5 is attached. The mounting section 45 includes a first opening 410 in which the operating section 51 is exposed and a second opening 411 in which the locking section 52 is exposed.

[0162] In the third embodiment of the container 1 having the above configuration, the operating section 51 and the locking section 52 are exposed through the first opening 410 and the second opening 411, making it easy to operate the operating section 51 and the locking section 52, and thus easy to operate the operating member 5.

[0163] Furthermore, as described above in one embodiment and its modified form, the container 1 of the fourth embodiment additionally comprises the following configurations in addition to the configuration of the container 1 of any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0164] In other words, in the fourth embodiment of the container 1, one of the members has a recess 42 in which the bearing 6 is housed. The recess 42 is provided with a hook portion 420 that engages with the bearing 6.

[0165] With the above configuration, in the container 1 of the fourth embodiment, the bearing 6 is housed in the recess 42 of one of the members, and the hook portion 420 catches on the bearing 6. Therefore, even when the operating member 5 is in an unconnected position, the upper frame 2 can easily temporarily support the first side wall 4a.

[0166] Furthermore, as described above in one embodiment and its modified form, the container 1 of the fifth embodiment additionally comprises the following configurations in addition to the configuration of the container 1 of the fourth embodiment.

[0167] In other words, in the fifth embodiment of the container 1, the hook portion 420 is a projection that protrudes toward the connecting shaft 50. The bearing 6 is provided with a through hole 60 into which the projection and the connecting shaft 50 are inserted.

[0168] With the above configuration, in the container 1 of the fifth embodiment, the hook portion 420 can be formed with a simple structure, and the hook portion 420 and the connecting shaft 50 can be supported by the bearing 6, making it easy to rotatably connect the upper frame 2 and the first side wall 4a.

[0169] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments shown in the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate design modifications are possible within the scope intended by the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Transport container 2 Upper frame 3 Bottom wall 4 side wall 4a First side wall 41 Mounting part 410 First opening 411 Second opening 42 Dent 420 Hook part 5 Operating Member 50 Connecting shaft 51 Operation section 52 Locking part 6 bearings 60 through holes

Claims

1. It comprises an upper frame, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls assembled between the upper frame and the bottom wall, The plurality of side walls are a transport container including a first side wall that is rotatably connected to the upper frame, An operable operating member is attached to one of the members, the first side wall and the upper frame. The operating member has a connecting shaft that rotatably connects the first side wall and the upper frame, The other member of the first side wall and the upper frame has a bearing for receiving the connecting shaft, The operating member is movable between a connected position in which the connecting shaft is received by the bearing and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft is separated from the bearing. The operating member is elastically deformable and has a locking portion that hooks onto the other member. A transport container characterized by the following features.

2. The operating member has an operating part that can be operated by hand, a connecting shaft protruding from the operating part, and a locking part protruding from the operating part, The aforementioned one member has a concave mounting portion to which the operating member is attached, The mounting portion includes a first opening through which the operating portion is exposed when the operating member is in the unconnected position, and a second opening through which the locking portion is exposed when the operating member is in the unconnected position. The transport container according to feature 1.

3. comprising an upper frame, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls assembled between the upper frame and the bottom wall, The plurality of side walls are a transport container including a first side wall that is rotatably connected to the upper frame, An operable operating member is attached to one of the members, the first side wall and the upper frame. The operating member has a connecting shaft that rotatably connects the first side wall and the upper frame, The other member of the first side wall and the upper frame has a bearing for receiving the connecting shaft, The operating member is movable between a connected position in which the connecting shaft is received by the bearing and an unconnected position in which the connecting shaft is separated from the bearing. The aforementioned member has a recess into which the bearing is housed, The recess is provided with a hook portion that engages with the bearing. A transport container characterized by the following features.

4. The hook portion is a projection that protrudes toward the connecting shaft, The bearing is provided with a through hole into which the projection and the connecting shaft are inserted. The transport container according to feature 3.

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